^ OK, how's "extremely unlikely" . :laugh:

Perfect! :)

^I think I have Lolaphobia-the fear it will not match my expectations. So I have  not been yet

 

Some of us can escort you in there, if you're really concerned about the scary, scary place. I, for one, am happy to help you overcome your expectatiophobia. My asking price is that you buy me lunch or dinner.  :-D

Anyone know what pizza places deliver in Tremont?  The only pizza place I know is Bug Guy's and they don't deliver.  I had delivery a few months ago from some place but I completely forgot the name of it.  Any help from anyone living in Tremont that can provide me a list of delivery pizza places.  Thanks.

Fabio's!

 

216-939-7777

 

Highly recommended - they deliver late, too!

Sorry, not a response to the above.  Though, I will admit that finding good delivery pizza on the Near-West-Side isn't easy!  And then try finding any pizza place that's open on Saturday before 4:00!

 

My small family and I went to Dish Global Deli (www.dishglobaldeli.com) on West 25th Street last night before heading over to the new exhibit at Cleveland Public Art.  Everyone was super friendly and the food was dee-licious!  The menu offers plenty of savory yummies for both veggies and carnies alike.  I loved the decor... lots of brick and little bamboo shoots sprouting out of the wall... we'll definitely go back!

^Argentinian Panini from Dish: best sandwich I've ever had.

Is it just me, or is this thread becoming very duplicitous of the Cleveland: Restaurant Opening & News Thread?

^ cute website. i see it says patio seating in the summer, which is perfect for a tasty light menu like that.

Is it just me, or is this thread becoming very duplicitous of the Cleveland: Restaurant Opening & News Thread?

 

My take was that new spots got featured on the other thread (as well as comments from visitors to the new spots), but that this was for ongoing and existing locales.

Is it just me, or is this thread becoming very duplicitous of the Cleveland: Restaurant Opening & News Thread?

 

My take was that new spots got featured on the other thread (as well as comments from visitors to the new spots), but that this was for ongoing and existing locales.

 

Mine too.  Plus it provided a reminder that I now work right by Babushka's.   :-)

Stopped by Bar Cento last night before the Cleveland Public Art event - I had the warm olive (with ginger and orange slivers) appetizer, which was rather tasty, and a blanco pizza with prosciutto - pretty good and a large portion for the price. It was nice to have Brooklyn IPA on tap for $3.00 :-) My partner had the burger and said it was good, but between both of us we couldn't finish the fries. Oh well - being half-Irish I always say you can't have too many potatoes! I think you could probably order one appetizer with one of the specialty pizzas (above and beyond the blanco) and have enough for two. I'll definitely be back to try some more. 

 

Also stopped back at the Market Cafe at Amtrust - I'm beginning to really like their salads that are over by the pizza oven. Today was quinoa with roasted red pepper, spinach and (drooool...) kalamata olives. $2.50 gets you an almost-entree size serving. Only complaints are just like last time - dimwits carrying trays of food spinning around like whirling dervishes, and they really need to do something about the ventilation.

Went to Light Bistro last night at W. 28th & Bridge. 

 

I had high expectations, and was disappointed, overall.  I wouldn't consider myself an obnoxious foodie, although I do like to think that I have a strong palette.  The easiest way to describe the experience at Crop was that they tried too hard - to be chic, local, distinct, bold, and whatnot.  The atmosphere was great with a nice warm glow in the back room where we were seated.  The front room smelled too strongly of food flavors for my opinion, so I was glad we weren't the.  I felt that the food was difficult to get into because of the 'bold' pairings and 'edgy' presentations. 

 

Definitely not in the class of Lola/Lolita, Fahrenheit, Crop, Fire, 3 Birds...et cetera. 

 

But don't take my word for it...

 

EDITED - thanks for biting my head off  :cry:

You mean Light? Crop is on West 6th at Frankfort.

I hope you don't consider yourself to have an obnoxious mind for remembering details.  It's Light Bistro at Bridge and West 28th.  I do like Lolita/Fahrenheit better, but I think Light is a solid resturaunt.

Argh, please don't malign Crop unless you've been there, I have been trying so hard to get people to try it! :)  Crop is next to Johnny's on W. 6th street.

Crop is amazing!...i've taken many dates there....(well three cuz it's kinda expensive.)

And that's what a long weekend will do to you!

 

I meant Light Bistro.....sorry for getting some people riled up....because Crop is one of my favorites :)

I finally made it to the Tremont Tap House last night. I'll say this much ;-) - I was not impressed by the vast amount of beers (good beers) on tap; I did not care for the Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye Ale with its hoppy yet smooth flavor; I was not finding the exposed brick appealing, nor was I impressed by the local artists' work that was on each table; I did not find my blue-walnut/apple/egg/raisinbread sandwich absolutely delish; my partner did not think there was any flavor with his chicken baguette - overall folks, just stay away, I'll go ahead and go back a few times - you know, just to support a local but really just stay away. Just go down to Applebees in Steelyard Commons ;-)

[Moved from where I previously posted this in the wrong thread]

 

Hit up Cheddars for the first time last night. I really enjoyed the space itself -- comfy, a bit upscale but not overly so and really quiet (but again, not in an intimidating manner). I'd say my mac & cheese was okay, but not fantastic. I went with the Barcelona. Unfortunately I definitely found the service to be very poor. The young woman who served us was a bit snippy and seemed really unhappy to be there. I'll go back, but am not in a hurry to do so because of that.

 

PS, Boy MayDay that sure was a harsh review of Tremont Tap House. I'll be sure not to go this weekend.

I finally made it to the Tremont Tap House last night. I'll say this much ;-) - I was not impressed by the vast amount of beers (good beers) on tap; I did not care for the Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye Ale with its hoppy yet smooth flavor; I was not finding the exposed brick appealing, nor was I impressed by the local artists' work that was on each table; I did not find my blue-walnut/apple/egg/raisinbread sandwich absolutely delish; my partner did not think there was any flavor with his chicken baguette - overall folks, just stay away, I'll go ahead and go back a few times - you know, just to support a local but really just stay away. Just go down to Applebees in Steelyard Commons ;-)

 

LOL.  I'll be sure to stay away as often as I can. :)

Has anyone here eaten at Il Bacio? 

I finally made it to the Tremont Tap House last night. I'll say this much ;-) - I was not impressed by the vast amount of beers (good beers) on tap; I did not care for the Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye Ale with its hoppy yet smooth flavor; I was not finding the exposed brick appealing, nor was I impressed by the local artists' work that was on each table; I did not find my blue-walnut/apple/egg/raisinbread sandwich absolutely delish; my partner did not think there was any flavor with his chicken baguette - overall folks, just stay away, I'll go ahead and go back a few times - you know, just to support a local but really just stay away. Just go down to Applebees in Steelyard Commons ;-)

 

Yeah, that chicken baguette is crazy, um, bad?  The bannana pepper spread was, um, not? awesome.  My friend got the Mac and Cheese that has figs in it, which was just amazing...whoops, I mean inedible.

On a serious note, does anyone know how their wine list is?  I am just not a beer drinker and often at places that focus on beer, the wine selection (logically) isn't that great.

"My friend got the Mac and Cheese that has figs in it, which was just amazing...whoops, I mean inedible."

 

That was second on my list but not having been to the gym recently - I decided to try that another time, if.I.must. ;-)

 

rockandroller, here's a sincere question - what beers have you tried, and have you ever been to a tasting that matched beers with certain foods? I'm not saying that would completely change your tastes, but just like wine there are beers that are so bitter they strip your palette to beers that taste like melted chocolate to anything in between. A few friends who also prefer wine to beer seemed to like Belgian white ales (along the lines of Blue Moon).

"My friend got the Mac and Cheese that has figs in it, which was just amazing...whoops, I mean inedible."

 

That was second on my list but not having been to the gym recently - I decided to try that another time, if.I.must. ;-)

 

rockandroller, here's a sincere question - what beers have you tried, and have you ever been to a tasting that matched beers with certain foods? I'm not saying that would completely change your tastes, but just like wine there are beers that are so bitter they strip your palette to beers that taste like melted chocolate to anything in between. A few friends who also prefer wine to beer seemed to like Belgian white ales (along the lines of Blue Moon).

 

Let me clarify. I am not a beer drinker ANYMORE.  I used to drink a lot of beer and in fact have tried about as many as you could imagine - I've done the world of beers thing (with a partner) at Winking Lizard. 

 

Without getting too specific, I find that beer no longer agrees with me.  AT ALL.  It's something I simply cannot drink.  When I quit drinking it because of the problems it caused me, I found that I lost the taste for it completely and now, even if I wanted to suffer and drink one, (and suffer and suffer afterwards), I don't enjoy it.  It's just not my beverage.

Gotcha - I didn't realize it was more than a "taste" issue for you :( I will say that the food (from what little I've had) is still worth the trip. :-)

Esquire magazine called three Cleveland sandwiches "Best Sandwiches in America" (Trailer Park Monte Cristo at Beachland Ballroom, Corned Beef at Slyman's and Polish Boy at Freddie's Rib House). Not bad!

http://www.esquire.com/features/food-drink/sandwiches

 

Also worth noting, they called the McRib one of the best sandwiches  :laugh:

 

This Michael Symon sandwich looks pretty amazing too! http://www.esquire.com/features/recipes-for-men/michael-symon-0308

I saw that too.  I have been to Freddie's twice and I thought the food was really bad but admit I didn't try that specific sandwich, maybe worth another try.

I've walked by Freddie's on many a late Saturday night and not once did it ever occur to me that I'd want to ingest anything from there. Who'da thunk?

I've walked by Freddie's on many a late Saturday night and not once did it ever occur to me that I'd want to ingest anything from there. Who'da thunk?

 

Thats right, it is across from the Gold Horse Saloon.  :laugh:

I have always wondered about Freddie's but have written off Cleveland bbq for good. last week when it was something like 9 degree outs people were pouring in there dressed to the nines. not sure what was up, but now I am interested.  Gold Horse? Isnt it closer to The Grid.  :wink: , but what do I know?

Having been to the Gold Horse, the Grid and Freddie's, I think I should get some kind of Cleveland prize.  Or at least everyone will lay off of me for a week since I live in the burbs :)

Slyman's. Awesome corned beef, great as a side for breakfast. And if anyplace has a more diverse clientele, I'd like to see it. Go there for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on a weekday and you'll see young and old executives, construction laborers, government workers, college students, black mothers with kids while hearing Eastern European and Asian accents and more.

 

It's truly is a demographic cross-section of Cleveland in a gritty restaurant. All newcomers to the city should go there to discover who lives here. I absolutely love that place!! And the food is pretty good, too.

Having been to the Gold Horse, the Grid and Freddie's, I think I should get some kind of Cleveland prize.  Or at least everyone will lay off of me for a week since I live in the burbs :)

 

Yes I think you do... since I'm guessing "those places" don't have much "cross clientele".  I must say even I have only been to one of those :wink:. 

Having been to the Gold Horse, the Grid and Freddie's, I think I should get some kind of Cleveland prize.  Or at least everyone will lay off of me for a week since I live in the burbs :)

 

Yes I think you do... since I'm guessing "those places" don't have much "cross clientele".  I must say even I have only been to one of those :wink:. 

 

That's just the kind of gal I am. :)

rockandroller, urbanohio's "Grace Adler".  LOL.

LOL! :)

http://www.esquire.com/features/food-drink/sandwiches

 

Cleveland is all over this "best of" list from Esquire.

Made an obligatory return visit to Tremont Tap House - you know, just to support the locals if anything else. Anyway - I went with the Heavy Seas Loose Cannon IPA which reminded me of Bells Two Hearted but with a more citrusy aftertaste - nice; if you like that sort of thing. We ordered some chorizo empanadas to split - you know, crisp and full of flavor made even more tasty with a garnish of salsa and a pinch of lime - nice; if you like that sort of thing. I decided to try the Mac n Cheese with figs, brie, and rosemary - nice; if you like that sort of thing. I mean, sure I scraped the plate, but that was to make it easier for the dishwasher if anything - it's not like I was all set to lick the bowl... err, anyway! My partner had the house burger with white cheddar he basically said - nice; if you like that sort of thing, as did our friend who tried the chicken baguette. I mean, we all seemed to enjoy our meals but I don't know that anyone else would - I mean, I could have had Mac n Cheese out of the box and a Coors. Speaking of - there was a table asking about the beers available - I couldn't tell if she was joking but one woman who might have a self-loathing masochist complex asked for "something that tastes like Coors Light" :? The owner took it all in stride and whatever she ended up with, she seemed to be happy.

 

Anyhoo - I may make a return trip - you know, just to help the locals so please everyone just stick with Applebees and ensure I can always get a seat at Tremont Tap House eat good in the neighborhood.

 

rockandroller, I asked about wine - apparently they only have a license for beer and liquor but not wine (who knew?). Apparently they're in the midst of hunting down a wine license (who knew they cost $10K!!!) but for now, no dice. But again, the food is just so deliciou... err... amazi... I mean, just go to Applebees; I'm sure it's nice - if you like that sort of thing! ;-)

liquor is good.  Sometimes preferable to wine.  What I mean to say is, God, that place sounds awful.  Just one more place to avoid.

Did I mention that I helped my partner clear his plate of the fries? Again - they had that crispy, flavorful thing going on but if I wanted that I could just go to McDonald's, right? ;-) Please - I fully volunteer myself to suffer on your behalf.

I love the Taphouse. It took forever to finally get a food menu, but I think they wanted to do things right. I love the sandwiches and apps...stellar. The entrees-are good, but have some average ones. I don't actually like the pizza crust. I am a slave to Bar Centro. I agree the fries are awesome. This is a huge asset to the area.Come spring/summer, I predict the scooter gangs will be taking over. So everyone should stay away  :wink:

OK MayDay. We get it. You the Tap House.

http://www.esquire.com/features/food-drink/sandwiches

 

Cleveland is all over this "best of" list from Esquire.

 

Cleveland's really been getting quite a bit of notice for its food scene lately.

On a side note, two NYC expats were eating at Bar Cento last week and were in love with the place-more than I've seen anyone in that restaurant since it opened in October!  They also said how impressed they've been with the Cleveland food scene!!! They love it!

 

To all of you "mature" UO members, can you describe the Cleveland food scene 10+/- years ago b/c it seems like the past 5 years have seen a huge increase in the diversity/selection of restaurants in the city!  Thanks!

I am embarrassed to say I have had more of the sandwiches on the list that are not in Cleveland than in town. So...I need to get to Freddie's and the Beachland.

 

missing Cleveland sandwiches:

Banh Mi-Superior Pho (Asiatown)- and even better than the place they listed in San Fransisco  -Saigon Sandwich

Corn beef OR Pastrami -Mr. Brisket (Clev Heights)-cornbeef as good as anywhere, but that Pastrami at Katz is the best I ever had.

 

I hope to do research on the Torta (Mexican Sandwich) at the west side Mi Pueblo soon-it looked amazing, and all the Mexican guys were getting it, as well as the tacos

To all of you "mature" UO members, can you describe the Cleveland food scene 10+/- years ago b/c it seems like the past 5 years have seen a huge increase in the diversity/selection of restaurants in the city!  Thanks!

 

I always liken Cleveland to a big thrift store.  You can find real gems but you have to know where to look.  Sometimes you find a beautiful vintage item in pristine condition but you have to dig under a pile of old t-shirts to find it. It takes diligence and creativity and knowing the right people.

 

Well, that was my inner (and sometimes outer) mantra 10+ years ago here, particularly in terms of the food scene.  I no longer think this is the case.  We not only have many, many more great places to eat, the great places (both new and old) have gotten dramatically increased visibility in recent years.  I think this is because of the increased use of the internet as a networking and information tool combined with an increase in "foodie" culture across the country.

 

It used to be almost like sharing a secret with someone to take an out of towner (or underinformed local) to a great dining spot.  Now it's almost a no-brainer.  You can make great food choices going out to eat every time and without having to go 30 miles out of your way.  The great places that are springing up in the suburbs as well as the plethora of places downtown and in the surrounding areas is really an explosion.  And I think awareness has increased of our local, long-standing gems, depending on where you live and what you want to eat.

 

In short, I think things have definitely improved here, food wise.

 

I hope to do research on the Torta (Mexican Sandwich) at the west side Mi Pueblo soon-it looked amazing, and all the Mexican guys were getting it, as well as the tacos

 

I don't know how how it compares to Mi Pueblo's Torta, but my favorite sandwich in the cleveland area is the pork torta at El Tango Taqueria in Lakewood.  I'm not really sure if it is even an authetic mexican torta or what, but it is freaking amazing.  Its basically like a delicous pork stew on fantastic toasted bun.  Hmm, maybe I'll stop there for lunch today.

I think you hit it on the head rockandroller.  Cleveland has always (well as long as I remember) been a great food town, although I think it certainly has become more creative, and that you really have to know things as you said. 

 

I have talked to people that have been to Cleveland (mostly a few years ago) on business that just thought it was ok there, but certainly never knew where "to go".  Cleveland is full of secret areas and off the beaten path gems, that you really have to know about.  Of course in the last few years, "Tremont" has been put on the map, but it is still a relatively secluded place that somebody visiting likely wouldnt find or hear about.  A perfect example is the Tremont Tap House (the one that Mayday dislikes so much and only goes because he feels sorry for it).  It is even off the beaten path for Tremont (in not the most welcoming or obvious spot?).

 

Of course people that I have introduced to Cleveland say this is what makes the city so special and unique, in that there are so many hidden gems, but also what could make the typical business traveler not realize the wealth of things there (if they are not willing to explore and venture....)

 

Of course more recently Cleveland has been thrust into the food spotlight due to high profile things such as Lola, in a high profile area...., which hopefully has given everything else a bit more notice... 

I always tell people, in regard to Lola and the Rock Hall (the things that they associate Cleveland with), that those arent even necessarily the best things to see and do (eat) when visiting, and to check out some of the stuff that has been there (other great reastaurants and museums etc..) 

 

Funny too because usually when I bring an out of towner to one of the hidden gems, they almost always say "there is nothing like this in........"  or "if this was in ....... it would be mobbed"